‘This Book is Gay’ means controversy for Wasilla Library

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Wasilla Library may have to take U.K. author James Dawson’s “This Book is Gay” out of the juvenile nonfiction section.

KSKA-FM reports a committee will release its decision next week on a request from parent Vanessa Campbell, who asked library director K.J. Martin-Albright to move the book after she saw her 10-year-old son reading it.

Martin-Albright declined Campbell’s request. A committee held a closed meeting to discuss the issue.

“This Book is Gay” is written for young readers, or any readers, grappling with questions about homosexuality, bullying, dating and sex. It’s tone is humorous, and it contains cartoons, but some of the content explains sexual practices, and that is what concerns some Wasilla parents.

Reviews of This Book is Gay” proliferate online, and range from “absolutely hilarious” to kudos that the information is much needed by youngsters who may be struggling with sexual identity.

Criticism of the book generally centers on the fact that it focuses more on gay male than on gay females.